Make up a story problem that fits the following division of fractions problem. Use a drawing and/or explain a model to help students understand how the division concept a;;lies to a situation involving fractions. 5/6 divided by 1/2 = 1 2/3
Sure, let's create a story problem that demonstrates the division of fractions:
Imagine a school fair where students are tasked with distributing cupcakes amongst themselves. There are 5 trays of cupcakes, each containing 6 cupcakes. The objective is to divide these cupcakes equally among a group of students. However, only half of the students have arrived at the fair, represented by 1/2.
To visually understand the division of fractions, we can use a model. Draw a rectangle to represent the total number of cupcakes available, divided into 5 equal sections (since there are 5 trays), and within each section, draw 6 smaller circles to represent each cupcake.
Next, we need to show how the students' presence affects the division. Draw another rectangle beside the first one, with a dotted line dividing it into 2 equal sections (representing the students present). Within each section, draw a smaller circle to represent one student.
Now, we can begin dividing the cupcakes. Start by dividing each tray into two equal parts, since only half of the students are present. Shade in one-half of each tray's section to show this division.
Count the number of cupcakes in the shaded area. You will find a total of 15 shaded cupcakes.
Finally, we need to determine how many cupcakes each student will receive. Since there are 2 students (represented by the two shaded sections) and a total of 15 cupcakes, we divide the cupcakes equally between the students.
Each student will receive 15/2 cupcakes. Simplifying this fraction gives us 7 cupcakes each, with 1 cupcake remaining (since 15 is an odd number).
Therefore, 5/6 divided by 1/2 is equivalent to each student receiving 7 cupcakes, with an additional 1/3 cupcake remaining, which is equivalent to 1 2/3 cupcakes.
By using a visual model and following the steps, students can better understand the concept of division of fractions.